Philoctetes
As we discovered in reading Plato's
Republic, the claims of justice are often in conflict with expediency. In truth, to live a just life requires a standard of morality that does not bend to the whims of the multitude. Justice must be unwavering, and incorruptible, even when confronted with the superior power of its enemy. This play by Sophocles poses a fundamental moral question: when a nation goes to war, is it ever justified suspending all other considerations in the interest of victory? This is one of the central concerns in
Philoctetes. Should truth, honor and justice be sacrificed in order to obtain victory? Odysseus seems to be arguing that nothing is as important as the Greek victory over the Trojans. But other Greeks do not agree. Achilles, for one, would never exchange his honor for the prospect of victory on the battlefield. Even at the cost of survival, some beliefs are sacred and must be upheld, otherwise the virtues upon which society is based will be corrupted. Then, not only will the nation suffer, but the immortal souls of men will carry the stains of injustice forever.
- SMJ -